SC & ST groups voice reservations over film Aarakshan

Set to hit the screens on Friday, director Prakash Jha’s latest film Aarakshan has already raised a nationwide storm for its alleged anti-reservation stance. The Confederation of Scheduled Caste/ Scheduled Tribes organisations plans a protest in the Capital on the day of the movie release.
Udit Raj, national president of the body, said the protests will be held at Jantar Mantar and possibly outside theatres and multiplexes which will screen the film.
“The reason for the protest is because the film is against reservation. Ever since reservation was given to Dailts and Other Backward Classes (OBC), there has been more unity and national integration. The arguments that are being made about merit based on marks are not correct because there also has to be a place for compassion, unity and hardwork,” he said.
Raj said he was yet to see the film and was told about its content by the vice-chairman of the National Commission for Schedules Castes (NCSC). A special screening of the film had been organised for the NCSC on Tuesday and its chairman, P L Punia has asked the Censor Board to make necessary changes to the film, which has got a U/A certificate without any cuts, before its release.
Though no warnings have been issued by the Delhi Police concerning the proposed protests, spokespersons for the city’s multiplexes say they are aware of the controversy surrounding the film and have taken required precautions.
“The police have not said anything but we will be in touch with authorities in case of any incident. The film has been passed by the censor board and we go by that standard,” said Rahul Singh, senior vice-president, PVR cinemas.